Last week, Community Legal Services learned that the Philadelphia Water Department is proposing to increase water rates by $240 million over the next two years. This increase will raise water bills for Philadelphia families by more than 20%, costing them between $130 and $275 more per year. At a time when families are struggling to…
Following the success of initial rollout, low-income tenants in 19134 and 19144 zip codes are now guaranteed legal representation when facing eviction PHILADELPHIA – Starting February 1, 2023, low-income renters in Philadelphia zip codes 19134 and 19144 are entitled to free legal representation if they are facing eviction. Legislation providing for guaranteed legal representation, known…
What Is Changing? The extra SNAP payment, officially called Emergency Allotments, will end in February 2023. Starting in March, you will only get your regular SNAP payment loaded to your EBT card in the first half of the month. There will be no second payment later in the month. What Should I Do? Without the…
If you received Unemployment Compensation (UC) during the pandemic and now need to apply again because you lost your job, you may be confused about how to get started. Here’s some advice that may help you file your new application. How do I apply? The best way to apply is online if you can. …
This video gives you a glimpse into the work CLS’s staff attorneys, paralegals, social workers, and other advocates do every day so that people and their families in Philadelphia can access fundamental needs like housing, food, and employment. Hear from CLS advocates and clients about the lasting impact that CLS has had on them and…
Pennsylvania’s UC System No Longer Can Be Relied Upon to Serve Unemployed Workers. Traditionally, Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation (UC) system was simple and effective. An unemployed worker went to an “unemployment office,” filed a claim, and got about the business of finding a new job. As a result of declining administrative funding, that system started to…
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are critical lifelines for millions of people with disabilities. However, more than a decade of underfunding has made it extraordinarily difficult for people to access the vital benefits they need to survive. Applicants and beneficiaries must navigate woefully inadequate interpretation services, an outdated phone system,…
Starting October 2022, Pennsylvania has increased the income limit to qualify for SNAP (food stamps). If you were denied before, you might qualify now! Please see the chart at right for the new income limits by household size. If your monthly income is below these limits, you may qualify for SNAP. If your household…
PHILADELPHIA, PA – On August 10 parents, caregivers, and community organizations filed suit in the case of A.W. v. Commonwealth to challenge Pennsylvania’s ChildLine Registry as unconstitutional. The suit, filed in Commonwealth Court, alleges that parents and caregivers are listed on the Registry and labeled as “child abusers” without first having a chance to defend…
You can now get live help every day of the week at Community Legal Services! We are open for live in-person intake at our Center City and North Philadelphia offices as well as live telephone intake. CLS provides bilingual help or interpreters at no cost as needed. For a detailed list of issues we can…
